Question of the Week: 78 - 9/22/2002Would You Take Part in a Public Event or Protest AS a Pagan?Many Pagans or Heathens have always been a little leery about taking part in public events, protests or in signing their real names to letters or petitions. Given the current climate in the United States and across the world since 9/11, are you more or less inclined to be open about your spiritual beliefs or religion than you once were? Are you more fearful of reprisals or discrimination? Do you think that you would be placed on a surveillance list if you participated in public events or signed petitions with your legal name? Are you more cautious than you may have been before? Or have the events emboldened you to take a more public stance?

Not, only would I attend, I do. I live in an mainly Amish county, so one would believe there is little tolerance of other religions. That is not true. When an local official wanted to refuse renting a local park for the Paga Pride Day, it was the people of the county that not only defended our rights as citizens, but openlying read this official the riot act for his witch burning views. The status of my broom closet is: My Broom hangs with pride beside my American Flag. Doesn't everyone's?

If I were to sign a petition, I would use my mundane name because the Secretary of State needs it in order to make sure it's legitimate.

On the other hand, I am the Lifestyles Editor for a very conservative newspaper in a small suburb of Sacramento. I am but a feather of a left wing on that otherwise right-wing paper.

We publish twice a week, with my column printed on Fridays. I write under a pen name because I hope to publish novels someday and want to establish that as my name.

Despite being a conservative Christian, my publisher is very open minded and has allowed me to print articles on the Sacramento Pagan Pride Harvest Festival, environmental issues, even atheist views.

In my column, I have yet to actually say "Hey everybody, I'm a Pagan," but readers who can connect the dots can figure it out. I've written about my participation in a Beltaine campout, my birthday being on Imbolc and sharing a Lughnassadh harvest.

I attended the Sacramento Pagan Pride Harvest Festival both days and had a wonderful time. I'm not sure if any other members of the press were there to cover the event but the Elk Grove Citizen will have a 26" story and three photos in Friday's paper.

There will always be conspiracy theories about black lists and witch trials, but if no one speaks out, the igorance will never go away. Imagine if Rosa Parks never sat in the front of the bus. Blacks would still be using separate drinking fountains.

I am a Pagan-friendly Unitarian and I'll go right out there for Wiccan/ Pagan civil rights and "they" can put me on whatever list they want. Rights of conscience, association & assembly for one are rights for all.BRY

my thoughts are simple and direct if it is for the good of any person or persons then i willgladly go to an event,a protest, or sign my name. proudly too!!!! do for others as you would have them do for you.i believe in the saying what comes around goes around in sooooo many levels.

“I am what I am” as Popeye was known to say. Since 9/11 I have examined myself and my life, and I have sadly concluded that I am a coward. I am not ashamed of my chosen Path and will no longer hide who I am, what I do or fail before the gods by faltering in the strengths of my convictions. I suspect that I sound a bit dramatic but, coming out, so to speak, is a fairly large even in my life.

I would take part in as many events as I could. I firmly believe that freedom of religion means every religion. Some of us need to be visible. People fear the unknown .I know people who had never met a witch til they met me. Their vision of a witch was the Disney version. Now they know we are just like everybody else. I even got them to stop using the word witch when they meant bitch, since they know it offends me. Iknow there are places where you cant be out without putting your life in danger then its best not to.We have to be understanding about this. Thereas no need to prove anything. there are too many narrow minded people who would not hesitate to get rid of us in anyway possible and therefore secure a place in heaven.

Hey folks, As both a Pagan and a Gay man I have had plenty of opportunities to compare and contrast the Comming Out issues in both communities. I am here to tell you that the only way to gain your rights is to stand up for them. The people who would demonize Pagans and Paganism rely on two facts the first is that there are NOT a lot of out Pagans, the second is that because in many cases Pagans are a silent minority that those who would demonize us (or worse turn us into carnival attractions and T.V. ratings boosters) are the people who shape the public discourse and portrayal of Pagans and Paganism. Yes I would gladly stand up in a protest or public event/circle as a Pagan. I have hosted merry meets and even been on local radio as a member of my local Pagan community. One last point about being out. By being out, and even a little active in your Pagan community and the greater community around you, you encourage those people who are working as Priests/esses and Activists in your local Pagan Community. Bright Blessings, Pax

Heck yes!!! I try to explain what I can to those that have questions. I was a little leary when I started my new job. But, the bumper stickers on my car just put it out there. I am new to this path, but I am learning everyday. And I am willing to share my knowledge. Then you get people who don't want to hear the truth. They know what they know and that is all. People who just won't let you in. But, I am here to say I won't go away or change. I will speak this at the top of my lungs. That is what is wonderful about our country. Freedom of religion!!

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